Opportunities abound on this delightful vacation to learn about France and the French. Your adventure begins with an overnight on the French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur. Then, travel to Arles in the Provence region to board your ship and sail into the peaceful Camargue area during dinner (daylight permitting), before returning to Arles. Avignon, charming Viviers, medieval Tournon, Vienne, France's gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as St. Jean de Losne, and fascinating Beaune await you. Take the TGV train from Dijon to Paris, where your vacation ends with two overnights, guided sightseeing, and free time to explore the remarkable "City of Light" on your own! You're sure to return home with lots of memories and photos to share.

Special onboard and onshore experiences presented by entertainers, artisans, and experts, designed to enrich your cruise.Discover what makes French fromage so special at a French cheese tasting.

Avalon Affinity

Accommodating a maximum of 138 passengers for an intimate cruise experience, the Avalon Affinity set sail in 2009 and reflects the uniqueness of the rivers it cruises - the Rhine, Main, Danube, and Moselle. After a day of exploring some of Europe's most exciting cities, relax in the ship's two lounges, soak in the whirlpool, or unwind in a deck chair atop the Sky Deck.

This elegant, contemporary ship features popular amenities such as an Internet corner with Wi-Fi access, a fitness center, hair salon, and elevator. For accommodations, the Avalon Affinity boasts spacious and well-appointed deluxe staterooms and suites. With most staterooms featuring a large floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass door with a French balcony, passengers experience Europe's beauty and history even when on board.

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind-offering expansive views and wider perspectives. With river cruising's only Open-Air BalconySM, these wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows open wider than any other in the industry, blurring the line between outside and in, forming a spacious seating area for six, and creating an open invitation to discover and dream. Even if you're a seasoned traveler, you've never traveled like this.

Whether you'd like a romantic mini-break, an extended exploration, or something in between, with Avalon Waterways, you get to choose the river cruise that reveals the very best of Europe, Asia, South America, or Africa-your way!

The "Just Right" Way to River CruiseWhat defines luxury? Is it the enjoyment of the good things in life, or is it simply having things just the way you prefer them? At Avalon Waterways, we navigate with both elegance and ease to deliver a "just right" experience - one that transports you at just the right pace, with just the right amenities, and just the right views. Along the legendary waterways of Europe, we balance enriching activities, included excursions, mouthwatering cuisine, and unmatched service to offer the perfect degree of relaxed indulgence. We call this the Avalon difference.

Fuel your mind. Feed your soul.Tantalizing flavors to suit your distinct taste. When you travel for fresh perspectives, shouldn't every experience feel the same? We think so. Avalon is committed to delivering local flavor - right down to the table. Using fresh and local ingredients, our chefs introduce you to regional delights as well as comfort you with Western favorites in a variety of tasteful settings. From breezy al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro to elegant four-course dinners in the glass-walled dining room, you can savor fresh fare and the perspectives you crave day and night.

Cruises to Exotic DestinationsExperience all that Avalon has to offer in exotic locations like Southeast Asia, China, the Galápagos Island, Egypt or the Peruvian Amazon. A journey on one of Asia's great rivers, Yangtze, Mekong, or Irrawaddy, offers a tapestry of fascinating sights, colorful cultures, and ancient traditions. In South America you may embark down one of the world's vastly unexplored regions, the mighty Amazon, or explore the home of some of the world's most fascinating animal life in the Galápagos Island.